Chihuahua cheese

Chihuahua cheese is a type of cheese originating from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is a soft, white cheese with a mild flavor, similar to a mild, young Monterey Jack. It is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where it was first made.

History

Chihuahua cheese was first made by the Mennonites, a group of Christian Anabaptists, who emigrated to Mexico in the 1920s from Canada and the United States. They brought with them their traditional methods of cheese-making, which they adapted to the local conditions and ingredients.

Production

Chihuahua cheese is made from cow's milk, which is pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria. The milk is then curdled by adding a starter culture and rennet, an enzyme that causes the milk to coagulate. The curds are cut into small pieces, heated, and stirred until they reach the desired consistency. The curds are then drained and pressed into molds to form the cheese.

Characteristics

Chihuahua cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a smooth, supple texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor. It has a high moisture content, which makes it ideal for melting. It is often used in Mexican dishes such as quesadillas, enchiladas, and chiles rellenos.

Varieties

There are several varieties of Chihuahua cheese, including queso menonita, a version made by the Mennonites that is typically aged for a longer period, and queso Chihuahua de bola, a ball-shaped version that is often coated in red wax.

See also

• List of Mexican cheeses
• List of cheeses